Tag: Hurricane Helene

Marshall classily played App State’s fight song to show support after Helene

Helene has impacted App State and western North Carolina in a big way.

Helene has devastated western North Carolina.

It was a Category 4 hurricane when it reached U.S. soil and had weakened to a tropical storm by the time it hit the Tar Heel State, but still ravaged the region, from Bat Cave to Boone, Canton to Chimney Rock, Asheville to Avery County. Dams broke, buildings and homes were washed away, people died, and lives were changed forever.

The death toll from Helene has topped 200, making it the deadliest storm since Katrina. The long road to recovery for western North Carolina is just beginning.

On Saturday, through football, Appalachian State University tried to restore some sense of normalcy to its community. For the first time since Helene’s impact was felt, the Mountaineers played a game – away at Marshall, nestled in Huntington, West Virginia.

According to some reports online, it seems that App State’s marching band was unable to make the trip.

And so, in sign of support and solidarity, Marshall’s band classily played their opponents’ fight song.

Separated by a drive of less than five hours, Marshall and App State both call Appalachia home. They’re old rivals who played every season from 1977 to 1997 and have since renewed it now that both are in the Sun Belt conference.

And both communities now know the pain of a tragic disaster. The Herd had to rebuild their football program after many of its players, coaches and boosters were killed in a plane crash in 1970.

Marshall won on Saturday 52-37, but as App State coach Shawn Clark said before the game, what’s on the scoreboard really doesn’t matter right now.

“We’re very fortunate that we get to play this game of football that we love. Football is important, but it’s not the most important thing right now. The most important thing is our community, our county. Our county has a lot of pride in App State Football and App State Athletics, so we want to make sure we go out and represent the best way we know how.”

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After ‘a lot of damage’ due to Hurricane Helene, Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley gives status update for 2025 Masters

“As far as the golf course, it really was affected just as the rest of the community was.”

Hurricane Helene swept through the southern part of the country last week, leaving behind an extensive amount of damage to several states. The home of the Masters — Augusta, Georgia — was one of the thousands of communities affected by the natural disaster. On Saturday, Augusta National Golf Club released a statement regarding the status of the golf course.

“Our Augusta community has suffered catastrophic and historic impact from Hurricane Helene. We currently are assessing the effects at Augusta National Golf Club,” wrote club Chairman Fred Ridley. “In the meantime, our focus and efforts are foremost with our staff, neighbors and business owners in Augusta. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as well as everyone throughout Georgia and the Southeast who have been affected.”

Ridley is in Japan for the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at the Taiheiyo Club, where the winner will earn an invitation to play in the 2025 Masters and British Open.

More: Drone footage shows extensive damage to Augusta National Golf Club’s Magnolia Lane caused by Hurricane Helene

While meeting with the media, Ridley touched on a few things regarding the condition of Augusta National, including whether or not the course would be ready for April.

“As far as the golf course, it really was affected just as the rest of the community was,” he said according to Golf Digest. “… There was a lot of damage and we have a lot of people working hard to get us back up and running.”

He added that the club will be up and running “sooner rather than later.”

2024 Masters
Scottie Scheffler gives a thumbs up to the crowd after winning the 2024 Masters Tournament. (Photo: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Network)

More: Masters to expand TV window in 2025, adds new sponsor to mix

As for the year’s first major being played as scheduled …

“The Masters will be held … on the dates it’s scheduled to be held,” Ridley said.

The first round of the Masters is scheduled for April 10.

Drone footage shows extensive damage to Augusta National Golf Club’s Magnolia Lane caused by Hurricane Helene

Watch the video here.

Hurricane Helene swept through the southern part of the country last week, leaving behind damaged communities that are now in rebuild mode. One of those was Augusta, Georgia, and the home of the Masters was not spared.

Augusta National Golf Club suffered “a lot of damage,” according to Chairman Fred Ridley, however, he said the golf course will be ready to host the year’s first major championship in April.

While there have been a few posts floating around social media showing the damage done to the historic venue, this drone footage gives a detailed look at Magnolia Lane after Helene left the area.

John Daly says he suffered ‘total loss and devastation’ of home in Florida after Hurricane Helene

“I still cannot imagine ALL we have lost, but we are SAFE and all can be replaced!”

John Daly lost his home in Florida during Hurricane Helene, he announced on social media.

The two-time major champion posted on social media before and after Helene hit the Big Bend area in Florida where he resides with his family. the Category 4 hurricane devastated millions of Americans from the Gulf Coast up into the Appalachias late Thursday and into Friday when it moved inland.

On Thursday in a story on Instagram, Daly posted a screenshot of radar with an emoji where his house was near the Tampa area. Then on Friday morning, he posted on Facebook updating folks about his family’s safety but loss of property.

“For everyone that has reached out, my family are all safe, but all our homes are not as water is pouring out of every crevice,” Daly wrote. “Total loss and devastation after living here all my life! I still cannot imagine ALL we have lost, but we are SAFE and all can be replaced! Praise God!”

Hurricane John has surfers in Mexico seeking ‘waves of their dreams’

Footage shows surfers testing their skills at the ‘Mexican Pipeline’ in the immediate aftermath of the powerful storm.

As Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc this week in the southeastern United States, Hurricane John did the same in southwestern Mexico.

But in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane John on Friday morning, the wind began to subside and massive waves generated by the storm began to clean up, tempting surfers at Puerto Escondido to test their skills.

“The weather continues to give no respite and the storm waves do not stop,” photographer Edwin Morales stated via Instagram. “Although the short period is not ideal for Playa Zicatela, the gladiators continue trying and looking for the wave of their dreams.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAZj2xSt-4z/

Morales’ footage, shown above and below, shows why Zicatela Beach, just south of Puerto Escondido in the state of Oaxaca, is referred to as the Mexican Pipeline.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DAbv-8Ovzqv/

While Morales’ videos do not show the notoriously hollow beach break at its largest or cleanest, his footage does reveal the spot’s potential as one of the world’s premier big-wave surfing destinations.

Did Hurricane Helene damage Augusta National trees? Here’s what we know.

What happened to the trees at Augusta National after Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene has done a ton of damage after making landfall, with a reported 22 people dead to go along with floods, debris and electric outages.

There’s also a lot of buzz about what may or may not have happened at Augusta National.

The golf club that hosts the Masters every year is in the Georgia town that got hit hard, with scenes of damage shared on social media. But as for talk of the trees downed at the course? We don’t have any absolute confirmation here, only rumor and speculation.

Once we get more information, we’ll update this, but here’s what’s being talked about (again, these are just unconfirmed rumors):

Here’s the awful scene from the town:

Thinking of everyone there and anyone else who was affected by the storm.

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Coast Guard rescues sailor, dog as Hurricane Helene nears Florida

Dramatic rescue occurs 25 miles off Sanibel Island as Hurricane Helene strengthens into a Category 4 storm.

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued a man and his dog Thursday after the man’s sailboat capsized off Florida in stormy seas caused by Hurricane Helene.

The image atop this post shows the sailor and his dog in lifejackets, with a Coast Guard helicopter crew closing in for the rescue operation.

“USCG Air Station Clearwater saved a man & his dog, Thurs., during Hurricane Helene after his 36-ft sailboat became disabled & started taking on water approximately 25 miles off Sanibel Island,” the Coast Guard’s District Seven announced via X. (Click here to view video of the rescue.)

https://twitter.com/USCGSoutheast/status/1839469632899395648

The agency provided the following information to others who might find themselves in trouble on the water: “Call the USCG for help on VHF Ch. 16 or dial 911 for storm distress.”

Hurricane Helene had strengthened into an “extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm as it approached Florida’s northwest coast.

Heavy rain and flooding were occurring throughout the southeastern U.S. and potentially deadly storm surges are expected before and during landfall late Thursday in the Florida Big Bend region.

According to the National Hurricane Center, “Helene is expected to turn northwestward and slow down over the Tennessee Valley on Friday and Saturday.”

Florida athletic events canceled, campus closed due to Hurricane Helene

As Florida prepares for Hurricane Helene to make landfall off the Gulf Coast, the UAA is closing campus and cancelling athletic events.

The University of Florida is closing campus on Thursday and has canceled three athletic events in anticipation of Hurricane Helene’s landfall off the Gulf Coast.

Thursday’s soccer match against Tennessee has been postponed, and Gator Talk with Women’s Basketball Coach Kelly Rae Finley has been canceled. Friday’s swim meet vs. Nova Southeastern has also been canceled.

Billy Napier says the football team still plans to practice on Thursday, but the situation is fluid at this time. Safety is a priority, and the team is making contingency plans if the storm severely impacts Gainesville.

USA TODAY 10Best: Is Florida the best college for sports fans? Vote now!

“Even if the university is closed, they provide us with parameters in terms our how we meet, practice, and just the safety of the staff and the players,” Napier said. “We would most likely be in the indoor and our process would stay the same depending on how severe the storms are.”

Up next for the Gators

Florida does not play Saturday with its first bye of the season scheduled. The UCF Knights will come to Gainesville in Week 6 for a 2021 Gasparilla Bowl rematch. The Gators are looking for revenge after falling to the Knights, 29-17, under interim head coach Greg Knox.

UCF features the best rushing attack in college football through four weeks of play. The Knights average 375.7 yards on the ground and have 13 touchdowns on the ground. Meanwhile, Florida is ranked 107th of the 133 FBS teams in run defense after allowing 188.8 rushing yards per game.

Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.

New York Mets at Atlanta Braves, ppd.

Wednesday’s and Thursday’s Mets at Braves games were postponed due to Hurricane Helene and will be made up as a doubleheader Monday.

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Update 6:13 p.m. ET: Wednesday game between the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves was postponed due to heavy rains ahead of Hurricane Helene. Thursday’s game was also postponed. While the regular season was scheduled to end Sunday, the Mets and Braves will make up the 2 games with a traditional doubleheader in Atlanta Monday, starting at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Original column below (published Sept. 25, 1:39 a.m. ET)

The New York Mets (87-70) and Atlanta Braves (86-71) play the middle game of a 3-game series Wednesday. First pitch from Truist Park is slated for 7:20 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Mets vs. Braves odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Braves lead 6-5

The Mets could not get the bats going in a 5-1 loss against the Braves on Tuesday night. 3B Mark Vientos‘ solo HR was the only offense New York could muster. They are currently 2nd in the NL Wild Card race, a half-game up on the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Atlanta’s much-needed win moved them 1 game behind the Mets and a half-game behind Arizona for the 3rd Wild Card spot. Starter Spencer Schwellenbach allowed 1 ER in 7 IP and CF Michael Harris II went 3-for-4 with a HR, a double and 2 RBI. DH Marcell Ozuna also parked his 39th homer of the season.

Mets at Braves projected starters

LHP David Peterson vs. LHP Chris Sale

Peterson (9-3, 3.08 ERA) makes his 21st start. He has a 1.33 WHIP, 3.4 BB/9 and 7.3 K/9 in 114 IP.

  • Last start: Loss, 3 2/3 IP, 5 R (4 ER), 8 H, 0 BB, 4 K in 12-2 home victory against Philadelphia Phillies Friday
  • 2024 road splits: 5-1, 2.88 ERA (65 2/3 IP, 21 ER), 1.26 WHIP, 5.8 K/9 in 11 starts
  • Last start vs. Braves: Loss, 5 IP, 4 ER, 4 H, 3 BB, 7 K in 9-2 road loss July 28
  • Career vs. Braves: 3-5, 5.33 ERA (50 2/3 IP, 30 ER) 47 H, 22 BB, 64 K) in 11 appearance (10 starts)

Sale (18-3, 2.38 ERA) makes his 30th start. He has a 1.01 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 11.4 K/9 in 177 2/3 IP.

  • Last start: Win, 5 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 6 K in 15-3 win at Cincinnati Reds Thursday
  • 2024 home splits: 10-0, 2.28 ERA (62 1/3 IP, 23 R (22 ER), 0.99 WHIP, 10.7 K/9 in 14 starts
  • Last start vs. Mets: No-decision, 7 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 1 BB, 9 K in 3-2 road loss July 25
  • Career vs. Mets: 1-0, 2.70 ERA (23 IP, 7 ER) 13 H, 5 BB, 31 K) in 4 starts

Who’s going yard? Here’s a breakdown of today’s best home run props with our top picks. Include the BetMGM bonus code SBWIRE to score a $1,500 first-bet offer.

Mets at Braves odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of MLB odds. Lines last updated at 1:30 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Mets +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Braves -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Mets +1.5 (-145) | Braves -1.5 (+120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Mets at Braves picks and predictions

Prediction

Braves 4, Mets 2

Moneyline

PASS.

It’s really hard to bet against the Braves (-190) when Sale is on the mound, so I won’t do it. I’ll look to the run line to put a wager down on this game.

Run line/Against the spread

BET BRAVES -1.5 (+120).

Atlanta is in a tight race for the postseason, and playing at home, where the Braves are 43-33, gives them a key advantage. With the likely NL Cy Young winner starting, Sale brings a perfect record at Truist Park (10-0) and has surrendered just 3 ER over his last 4 home outings (26 IP).

On the other side, Peterson has had a rough time against Atlanta, holding a 1-3 record and a 5.02 ERA in his last 5 starts against them. With everything on the line, the Braves are set to secure a critical win.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 7.5 (-115).

The Under has hit in 6 of their last 8 meetings, highlighting a pattern of low-scoring contests. The Mets have gone Under in their last 2 games, while the Braves have seen the same in 4 of their last 6 games. Sale has been outstanding, not allowing more than 2 ER in a game since June 1, and the Under has cashed in 4 of his last 6 starts.

Meanwhile, Peterson has kept his runs allowed low, giving up more than 2 ER in a game just twice in his last 10 outings. With both pitchers in great form, a pitching duel seems likely, making the Under a solid bet.

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Fans were furious at MLB after Mets-Braves series was postponed and forced into a doubleheader with Hurricane Helene looming

MLB really could have planned this better.

When it comes to making important decisions, few leagues are worse at it than Major League Baseball. That proved especially true this week.

The Atlanta Braves and New York Mets went into Tuesday’s series at Truist Park with just two games separating the clubs in the NL wild card. And with the Braves taking the first game, the final two games of the series could easily decide the postseason fates for both squads.

Yet, when all this was happening — and in the lead-up to the series — forecasts showed that Atlanta was right in the projected path of Hurricane Helene. Even as both the Braves and Mets shared an off day on Monday, no adjustments were made to the schedule. That left us with the inevitable postponement of the games scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

https://twitter.com/Braves/status/1839052722026459264

https://twitter.com/AnthonyDiComo/status/1839050224138072317

Again, MLB had options to avoid this. A game could have been played on Monday. Then, there either could have been a doubleheader on Tuesday or an early series finale on Wednesday before the weather rolled in. According to the New York Post, the Braves rejected those options, and MLB — which could have overruled the Braves — did not step in.

So, we’re left with two teams being forced to play a decisive doubleheader on Monday — the day before the playoffs. And given the standings, one team could end up in Milwaukee and another in San Diego or Los Angeles the very next day. It puts both the Braves and the Mets at a disadvantage, and MLB absolutely could have avoided this.

No wonder fans were upset when the postponement was made official.

This was how Twitter/X reacted

https://twitter.com/JP_Bender/status/1839056118427038125

https://twitter.com/James_Schiano/status/1839052300008173900

https://twitter.com/HoodieAlonso/status/1839051205869449557

https://twitter.com/Kevin_Ivers10/status/1839054423974191189

https://twitter.com/EvanGreenberg8/status/1839054164980281734

https://twitter.com/RichieHeinz/status/1839053376501461223

https://twitter.com/jduffs3/status/1839052119074079215

https://twitter.com/Rio19/status/1839051423343894795

https://twitter.com/urbnstylista/status/1839056941655667179

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